What We Called Therapy After Dark novel · Chapter 11 of 24

Chapter 11: What She Wanted

The doorbell rang before any of us had spoken.

My mother stood up and smoothed her cardigan.

"That will be Ansel," she said.

She went to answer it.

Mitch's hand found mine under the table and gripped it hard.

I held on.

Dr. Keene came into our kitchen in his grey cardigan, with his glasses pushed up into his hair.

He looked around at the cupboards and the table and the tea, and he smiled at me.

"Marin," he said. "I'm sorry it came to this."

"No, you're not."

"No," he agreed pleasantly. "I'm not."

He took the chair beside my mother.

She slipped off her wedding ring and put it on the table in front of her.

He set his key ring down next to it.

The same ring of keys that had locked me in his office.

For a moment the two of them sat side by side, a ring and a ring of keys, and she touched his sleeve.

I had never seen her touch anyone like that.

"I want to be clear about the notes," Dr. Keene said, folding his hands. "I've documented all of it. Three sessions, two refusals of treatment, and a patient who, in my professional opinion, was seduced by a person in a position of trust. If anyone asks, that is what the file will say."

"A patient," Mitch said, low.

"Marin is a vulnerable young woman who lost her father. You are the stepfather who used the therapy to get close to her. I'd regret saying so. I'd say it all the same."

Mitch stood up so fast the chair hit the floor.

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